How to Cook the Ultimate Brunch Casserole: Your Go-To Recipe for Memorable Mornings
Looking for a show-stopping dish to elevate your weekend brunch? This Ultimate Brunch Casserole is the perfect blend of savory sausage, fresh vegetables, eggs, and melted cheese, all layered over soft bread cubes for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or preparing for a holiday breakfast, this casserole is a breeze to make and can even be prepped the night before for stress-free entertaining. It’s customizable, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
This brunch casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a weekend get-together or holiday breakfast. It combines layers of savory sausage, crisp vegetables, eggs, and cheese into a rich, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, crumbled
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably sourdough or French bread)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and crumbled sausage, cooking until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-9 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving any drippings in the pan.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the baby spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the mixture is well-combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish. Top with the cooked sausage, followed by the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
- Pour the Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring the bread and toppings are evenly soaked. Gently press down on the casserole to make sure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Let it Rest: Cover the casserole with foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if preparing in advance. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Bake, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
